Head of Chemistry

The primary function of the Head of Chemistry is ensure the laboratories operate efficiently within agreed budgets and to provide on time delivery of quality assured results to our internal and external customers.

Assuming a strategic role in the overall management and performing a variety of leadership responsibilities within the assigned location to ensure technical excellence efficiency in delivery resource allocation client management HSE & Quality management while actively interacting with other laboratory managers finance managers business development managers and HSE & Quality team members.

Maintain effective communication with managers colleagues and suppliers to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratories.

SAFETY

Maintain a safe and clean working environment in the laboratory.
Foster a culture of safety awareness and continuous improvement. Promotion of and compliance with company health and safety requirements adopting a proactive safety attitude to ensure the safety of all colleagues.
Ensure that the laboratory is always kept clean and tidy. All samples and chemicals are delivered to the correct area for disposed in the correct waste stream and consumables chemicals and client samples are efficiently stored in their assigned storage location.
Care for own and colleague Health and Safety and be prepared to stop work rather than to proceed with working in unsafe conditions.

QUALITY

Ensure that all work carried in out the department complies with documented procedures and samples are handled and stored correctly.
Own the Quality KPI for the department and evaluate data identify problems and find effective solutions.
Uphold Elements reputation and values always demonstrating the highest levels of integrity and professionalism at all times.
Investigate queries and non-conformities resolving problems. Escalate non-conformances to close out for technical quality or senior management only after attempting to resolve first via own efforts and department team.
Work to ensure that the agreed quality standards and requirements e.g. calibrations AQC charts etc. are continually adhered to by all members of the department are met for all tests and to work to Singlas (ISO 17025) requirements for accredited activities.
Maintain a high standard of personal knowledge and skills relevant to role through self-directed learning.

DELIVERY

Strive for continuous improvement to On Time Delivery leading or facilitating projects to achieve better results.
Manage the workload and ensuring that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks.
Project manage new methods/equipment and assist with method review as needed.
Aid in the analysis of samples when needed.
Inform Operations Manager and/or General manager if resources (staff or equipment) are inadequate to meet demands.

COST

Planning and analysing budgets and expenditures monitoring cost per task.
Own the manpower cost per task balancing delivery and profitability needs and recommending replacement / non-replacement or growth roles accordingly.
Monitoring costs of consumables and researching opportunities to reduce expenses.
Supporting a LEAN and 5S culture within the laboratory.
Strive for continuous improvement in the relationship between work volumes and manpower cost including leading or facilitating projects to achieve better results.

PEOPLE

Efficiently organise team ensuring samples are analysed to a high standard by suitably trained staff members within the scheduled time.
Carry out 1 to 1 s and effectively lead coach and mentor the team. Including promotion of desired behaviours as well as application of operational and technical skills and knowledge
Strive for enhanced engagement through a focus on development of staff good communication and seeking to lead a productive but happy working environment.
Oversee training to relevant staff on methods safety protocols and compliance measures.
Setting clear goals for performance and deadlines in ways that align with the company values
Talent planning for the future i.e. engage in succession planning & talent development plan.
Monitoring employee productivity and provide constructive feedback.
Maintain timekeeping and personnel records.
Communicate information effectively and in a timely manner to all relevant colleagues suppliers and engineers.
Establish collaborative working relationships with other department managers functions and support roles.
Represents Element with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism at all times
Ad hoc duties as required.

Scientific Degree or equivalent.
Excellent ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control of the laboratory operational activities.
Minimum of 10 years Laboratory and Managerial/Leadership Experience.

#LI-CL1

At Element we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming the worlds most trusted testing partner.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age disability ethnic origin gender marital status race religion responsibility of dependents sexual orientation or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about discussed or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge (b) in furtherance of an investigation proceeding hearing or action including an investigation conducted by the employer or (c) consistent with the contractors legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

If you need an accommodation filling out an application or applying to a job please email